MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has no involvement in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro clarified Wednesday.

“Wala pong anumang balita patungkol sa pag-pursue ng Pangulo sa impeachment, o sa impeachment trial ni VP Sara. So, iyan po ay ating tinututulan at pinasisinungalingan po,” Castro said in a press briefing in Malacañang.

The clarification came in response to questions on whether President Marcos is confident the impeachment trial against Duterte will push through, especially since most of the 12 newly elected senators were endorsed by the administration.

“Wala pong sinasabing anumang pagkumpiyansa na para mapatalsik o matanggal sa puwesto ang Bise Presidente,” Castro added.

In February, President Marcos reiterated that the executive branch plays no role in any impeachment proceedings.

“Walang role ang executive sa impeachment,” the President said.

Under the 1987 Constitution, the impeachment of government officials is solely within the jurisdiction of the legislative branch. The House of Representatives has the exclusive power to initiate all cases of impeachment, while the Senate has the sole power to try and decide them.